YSC Tour de Pink Lisa J. Frank Memorial Ride

Lisa J. Frank was a young survivor, founding member of Young Survival Coalition (YSC), co-founder of YSC Tour de Pink and one of the fiercest advocates for all young adults affected by breast cancer. 

She was among the first YSC group who met in 1998, all diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40. They had all personally experienced that young adults were missing from the research, community and conversations about breast cancer. More than 20 years later, these needs still define YSC’s work. 

THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME

In 2004, Lisa’s heart and soul went into the co-founding of TDP, born out of her love for cycling and belief that achieving a common goal would create a community and foster confidence and optimism in her fellow survivors, including those still in treatment. 

The very first event began with only six riders registered to bike from Boston to New York. That year, Lisa’s re-diagnosis as stage II meant she couldn’t ride. She helped get the small group food and housing, including an overnight stay at the house of a friend’s parents who’d agreed to let the riders sleep there. This gesture of hospitality – letting a group of sweaty, exhausted strangers sleep at their home – is exactly the community spirit that characterizes the TDP rides today.

Joy Simha & Jill Frey riding with Lisa Frank in 2008

TDP has now grown to hundreds of riders that include survivors, family, friends and advocates across two coasts, raising millions of dollars so that young survivors have a place to turn when they’re diagnosed. 

RIDER #1

Lisa created not only a beautiful TDP family, connecting each of us across the country through a common goal, but an enduring legacy that will continue with her memory ever-present as Rider #1. She showed us how to live with her generosity and mentorship of other survivors. 

Lisa passed away on December 30, 2020 at age 58. TDP was renamed in her honor as the YSC Tour de Pink Lisa J. Frank Memorial Ride. Her energy, determination and spirit will live on with all who ride every year.